Human Milk Immunoglobulins and Agglutinins to Rabbit Erythrocytes

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Abstract
IgA was found in all samples of milk from 34 healthy lactating women. A correction factor for concentration of IgA in milk, related to serum IgA, was established. The concentration decreased from its initial high level, reaching a minimum 2 weeks after parturition. IgG was also constantly present, but in low concentration while IgM, though not consistently found, was sometimes present in relatively high concentration. All samples agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes to titres ranging from 16 to 2,048. The titre in milk showed positive correlation with the serum titre. Mothers who were delivered up to 8 weeks prior to term secreted milk with titres in the same range as those who were delivered at term. Results of inhibition and antiglobulin tests, as well as gel filtration studies, showed that most of the agglutinins were confined to IgA. Immunization studies revealed that IgM, in addition to IgA, reacted with the erythrocytes. The agglutinins to rabbit erythrocytes may serve as markers for antibody activity in milk.

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